You want to begin an appropriate skincare regimen, but you have some concerns: How many different skincare products must you use? Which is best for your skin type? Which products should you use first while applying them? And what exactly do the items do? To help you decide where to start and what to consider as you develop the ideal regimen for your skin, we spoke with leading dermatologists.
Three Steps in the Main Skincare Routine
No matter what your skin type, you should begin your daily skincare routine with these three easy steps, advises dermatologist Ashley Magovern, M.D., founder, and owner of Manhattan Dermatology in Manhattan Beach, California:
- Cleanse
- treat
- Moisturize
Your Morning Skincare Routine Steps
Cleanser
To avoid clogged pores and dull skin, face cleaning should always be the first step in any skincare regimen. but be delicate. The protective layer of your skin will be broken down by too many people cleansing too vigorously, too frequently, or with a cleanser that is too abrasive, according to Dr. Magovern. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try washing it only at night and rinsing it with water in the morning.
- Oily skin: A foaming or gel cleanser will ensure the appropriate removal of extra dirt and oil from your skin; niacinamide and salicylic acid are two chemicals that can help control and remove extra oil.
- Your best bet, if you have acne-prone skin, is a mild foamy cleanser that contains acne-busting chemicals like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur. In this situation, Retin A Cream is fundamentally used to treat pimples (skin inflammation) and sun-harmed skin.
- If you have dry skin, choose a cream or balm containing moisturizing components like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils.
- Try micellar water, an incredibly mild cleanser made with microscopic particles known as micelles that catch pollutants and lift them away without drying your skin.
Serum
If you have several facial concerns, you can use many different serum formulas. A serum designed for your skin concerns can both treat and protect, giving concentrated concentrations of potent components that can address a variety of complexion issues, from wrinkles to dark spots. But you should carefully study the labels because certain serums work best when used in the morning, while others work best at night.
Is there one serum that works for everyone in the morning? A serum that contains antioxidants will delay the onset of age-related symptoms and stop the production of free radicals. Vitamin C is the most effective antioxidant serum. It greatly aids in reversing the skin damage caused by pollutants and the sun. Hyperpigmentation can be a problem for people with darker skin tones, but using a vitamin C serum in the morning can also lessen the appearance of dark spots.
You can use anti-aging serums that contain the following components in addition to antioxidant serums to treat wrinkles, fine lines, and more.
- Hyaluronic acid serums hydrate the skin, preventing dryness and dullness and increasing plumpness.
- Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide brightens and balances skin tone, promotes the formation of collagen, and reduces inflammation.
- Retin A 0.1 (best used at night!) to enhance cell turnover to increase collagen formation, reduce wrinkles, and reduce hyperpigmentation
- The building blocks of collagen are peptides, which can stimulate collagen production to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness.
Toner
Apply a water-based toner to your dry skin after washing it with your fingertips, a cotton ball, or a cloth, and before applying any other leave-on skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers. In addition to giving your skin an additional dosage of active ingredients, a proper toner may help ensure that it is completely clean and clear of debris.
Today’s toners are considerably more advanced than the astringent- and alcohol-based solutions of yesteryear, packed with skin-boosting advantages that may leave you beaming. If you’re seeking additional complexion-purifying and brightening effects, these toners are a great option. Depending on your skin type, the following substances are ones you should search for:
- If your skin is prone to acne, look for a toner with hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid and lactic acid, which promote cell turnover.
- Look for a moisturizing toner (or its sibling, an essence) without drying alcohol and with calming components like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for dry or sensitive skin.
- Look for gentle exfoliants, hydration-improving ingredients, and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea for combination skin, which can fight free radicals and avert skin damage.
- Look for astringents that tighten pores, such as alcohol or witch hazel, for oily skin.
Moisturizer
Face moisturizers are next in line since they keep your skin hydrated, and supple, and help improves its barrier. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, use a lighter moisturizer during the day, such as a lotion or gel that absorbs quickly and does not pill beneath makeup. Try a cream or other heavier composition if your skin is dryer. In either case, doctors recommend using moisturizers all year for all skin types because proper hydration is essential for maintaining youthful skin. Since ceramides and hyaluronic acid are the fundamental components of the skin’s ability to retain moisture, Dr. David advises searching for these compounds.
Choosing a moisturizer formula for your skin type can be done as follows:
- Dry skin: The key to quenching dryness is a thick cream packed with emollients, humectants, ceramides, and occlusives.
- Look for light lotions or gel-based solutions branded “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
- If you have sensitive skin, look for formulations that are hypoallergenic and free of potential irritants, such as fragrance and alcohol.
